COVID Guidance for Fitters

As restrictions start to lift, you are likely to see more and more people coming into your garage. After all, many people have not been able to access a garage for many months now so getting necessary vehicle repairs or modifications are likely to be at the top of their list. So, it is your responsibility to ensure you are doing everything possible to stick to social distancing and hygiene measures in your fitting centre.

Of course, we know that not everything is within your control, so we have also issued guidance to customers. They too need to stick to social distance and hygiene measures when visiting your garage. To make this easier, you should only accept clients by appointment so you can control the number of people coming in and out of your garage at any time.

We understand that when working in a shared space with shared tools, it might be difficult to keep away from people and avoid touching the same surfaces or objects. However, we have put the following guidelines together, in line with government advice, that you should try to follow where possible:

• Carry out a risk assessment of the work area
• Wear a mask at all times
• When completing work inside someone else's vehicle, ensure you are wearing a mask and gloves, where possible, and wash your hands before and after working inside their vehicle. You should also use an antibacterial spray to wipe down any surfaces you have come into contact with, once you have finished working
• Stick to the 2m distance from other colleagues, where possible
• Wash your hands thoroughly at regular intervals
• If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, stay at home. This is particularly important as you will be working on other people's vehicles and the virus can linger on surfaces for 48 hours or more
• Where possible, each mechanic should use their own set of tools or clean shared tools before and after use
• Avoid sharing work stations
• Reduce the number of staff working in the garage at one time where possible
• Offer a mobile fitting service and work remotely if you can

Although this may seem like much more hassle than your usual working conditions, we all need to play our part in preventing the spread of COVID-19. Jobs may take longer to complete when you factor in handwashing and disinfecting tools and surfaces, so be sure to accommodate this when accepting bookings.

If you have the tools and equipment necessary, this may be a good time to promote a mobile fitting service. This will enable you to work in a secluded environment and avoid contact with other people whilst you complete a towbar fitting.

If there is anything at all that you are unsure about, you should always check the government website for the most up to date information and guidance.